Boomsday was funner, but this is still a highlarious page-turner for casual politicos and court drama fiends.

If I ever get pregnant, I'm dubbing the fetus "tummybug."

I remember reading "Heat" and appreciating its feel of odyssey -- one writer's romantic, sometimes madcap foray into chefdom's unbridled terrain.

But when I walk into a restaurant and face a menu, it's "Kitchen Confidential" I recall. I think of what day it is, and what time of day. I look past the dining area and wonder what I'm missing; I go over the specials and smirk.

"Kitchen Confidential" changed the way I order food.